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Question of the week
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How CertAdvisor answers questions

Question of the week

Q1) I would like to get a Linux certificate. Which program should I choose between Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE), Linux Professional Institute Certification (LPIC) and SAIR/GNU’s Linux Certified Administrator (LCA) ? (From various members)

ANS) Here are our inputs to help you decide: 

a) First, please refer to our archives for a brief introduction to these programs. http://www.examsonline.com/Resource/CertAdvisor_03122001.asp

b) The objectives and knowledge base of RHCE, LPIC and LCA programs are not radically different from each other. 

RHCE program is specific to its version of Linux, the ‘the largest-selling distribution of Linux.’ The other two are vendor neutral programs. However, more than two-thirds of the knowledge gained in preparing for RHCE program is applicable to other Linux distributions.

c) To get RHCE Certification candidates have to pass a tough six-hour hands-on performance-based exam. ‘The RHCE Certification Lab Exam’ comprises of three elements: a multiple-choice test (1 hour); a server install and network services configuration lab (2 1/2 hours); and a diagnostics and troubleshooting lab (2 1/2 hours). 

LPIC (level 1) and SAIR/GNU’s LCA exams are based on multiple-choice format and intended for junior Linux professionals. The demanding RHCE exam is meant for the technically proficient Linux Gurus, who can diagnose, plan and develop complete solutions. Hence, RHCE has better reputation in the industry. Please note that work is in progress on higher levels of LPIC and SAIR/GNU certification programs. They would also aim at technically proficient professionals and then perhaps be comparable to RHCE.

d) RHCE is backed by IBM and Global knowledge. In comparison LPIC enjoys more industry support and is sponsored by major Linux companies (Caldera Systems, TurboLinux, LinuxCare and SuSE), plus heavyweights such as IBM, SGI, HP and major computer industry publishing houses. 

e) LCA from SAIR/GNU, the first Linux certification to appear, was developed by Dr. Tobin Maginnis of the University of Mississippi in 1999. Though SAIR/GNU efforts were initially enthusiastically received, many experts criticized that the test objectives supplied by SAIR/GNU were not up to the professional standards. There were also delays in Test completion and delivery of the Linux tests in Sylvan testing centers

Many felt that being a small organization SAIR/GNU lacked resources to develop a professional certification program. 

SAIR/GNU was most recently acquired by The Thomson Corporation, a company with impressive reputation and resources, in the education field. Though it is still early to predict how the acquisition will affect the certification programs, SAIR/GNU recently decided to add an optional hands-on lab exam to its Linux Certified Engineer (LCE) track, to be released later this year.

Another certification in news is CompTIA’s Linux+, which measures vendor-neutral Linux knowledge and skills of professionals with at least 6 months of practical experience.

Both LPI and SAIR/GNU endorse Linux+ as an entry-level certification that can be used as a stepping-stone toward their higher-level certification tracks. Linux+ is also supported by noted companies such as Caldera, Compaq, ElementK, HP, Compaq, Linuxcare, LinuxMall.com, Prosofttrainig.com, Turbolinux and so on.

Follow up to last week’s Cert Advisor

Q2) I graduated in December 2000 and my major was computer science. Would getting an Oracle certificate help me find an entry-level job as Oracle Programmer or DBA? I don't want to invest lots of money and time if I can't find any job after completing OCP. (From Amit) 

ANS) Given the importance of scalable, high performance database solutions there will always be a healthy demand for competent database professionals. 

Oracle certifications are job-role-related credentials that have good industry recognition. In a Market Analysis and Research Strategies survey, 97 percent of Oracle Certified Professionals (OCP) said they benefited from their credential. 

So, if you are interested in the job functions you mentioned in your question you will only benefit from getting certified in relevant Oracle programs. 

Your computer Science and Oracle credential would place you in a good position for an entry-level job or even better. Please note that even basic Oracle certifications such as OCP-DBO and OCP-iDBO tracks expect candidates to have at least 6 months of hands-on experience. 

Check out details on the OCP program at: 
http://www.oracle.com/education/certification/index.html?content.html

Select questions & answers

Q3) I am getting ready to take MCSE 70-216 and 70-217 exams. Can you tell me the number of questions and the passing scores for each of these exams? Thanks in advance. (From Tony Martinez)

ANS) Exam #: 70-216 

Time Limit: 140 min. 
Passing Score: 620 
Number of Questions: 55 
Format: Form-based 

Exam Info Exam #: 70-217 
Time Limit: 110 min. 
Passing Score: approx 665 
Number of Questions: 45 (approximately) 
Format: Form-based 

Q4) Are there any Storage certifications? (From CStewart)

ANS) EMC Corporation offers EMC Proven Professional certification program that includes five tracks: Enterprise Storage Fundamentals, Operator, Builder, Architect, and Instructor. Each track has Associate and Master levels. Each track requires passing multiple exams. Enterprise Storage Fundamentals exam is live and EMC Corporation is in the process of rolling out exams for other tracks.
Please visit following link for more information: 
http://www.emc.com/certification/

Brocade offers two levels of certification on its storage area network (SAN) products: the Brocade Certified Fabric Professional and the Brocade Certified SAN Designer. 

Brocade Certified Fabric Professional 
To get this credential candidates must pass a single exam, which focuses on Brocade SilkWorm switches. 

Brocade Certified SAN Designer 
Brocade Certified Fabric Professionals with design level expertise can get this credential by passing a single exam.
Please visit following link for more information: 
http://www.brocade.com/education_services/certification.html

Share your cert-experience

MCSE or CCNA? ‘Shawn’ responds to last week’s cert-experience from ‘Skoppel’.

“There is no comparison between MCSE and CCNP. The MCSE is very much an entry-level certification that allows someone to gain experience. I doubt that there are too many CCNP's who are "Paper" CCNP's and employed or employable. The move to equate the two is specious at best. The MCSE certification teaches little about the physical aspects of networking or troubleshooting hardware. “ 

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